1911 Series 70 vs. Series 80

November 07, 2009 07:46

the series 80 has an additional safety in the trigger system. makes it harder to get a really good trigger pull. the series 70 being older are usually put together better, and are easier to get a good crisp trigger pull on.

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beantownshootah

November 07, 2009 07:56

The original Colt 70 series has a springy colleted barrel bushing that is supposed to enhance accuracy. The downside to this design is that the colleted bushing is somewhat fragile, and many shooters replace it.

Edit. Here is an image depicting the standard 1911 barrel bushing on the left, and the colleted springy series 70 Colt bushing on the right:

The 80 series has a firing pin block safety that only permits the firing pin to move if the trigger is pulled all the way back. This is good because it prevents the gun from going off if dropped hard on the muzzle (something that is theoretically possible with older guns).

The downside to the series 80 guns is that the spring-loaded firing pin block system works against the trigger and acts to partially degrade the quality of the trigger pull. Its difficult to get a crisp light match type trigger pull when the trigger also has to raise the firing pin safety.

Shooters who are interested in maximum accuracy want the best trigger pull possible, and so bullseye-type guns and other guns designed for maximum accuracy are usually based on the 70 series design.

Here is my personal series 70 with aftermarket Bomar match sights; I think its in chrome (though maybe its brushed nickel):

pix180711813.jpg?t=1257616412

In terms of desirability, I think the original Colt series 70 guns are becoming increasingly collectible, though to some extent that's true of *ALL* colt pistols, period. Many of the companies that make 1911-type guns offer versions that lack the series 80 firing pin safety.

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perry shooter

November 07, 2009 11:55

IMHO the pros are a series 70 and the Cons are a series 80 . The extra safety was a way around The 1930's Swartz safety that did the same thing. "FIRING PIN block" The Swartz safety worked off the grip safety [^]while the series 80 works off the trigger[V] But Colt did not want to bay the Swartz Heirs the royalty . so they cobbled up a poor design. During this same time quality Control also went to pot.

EDITHello could you tell us what brand your pistol is [?]Be aware taking out safety parts could be a problem If you ever go to sell the pistol. IMHO it is never good to remove safety parts UNLESS you are going to be the only person ever going to have the pistol in your hand.If someone is ever hurt with the pistol and a safety has been removed[:0]lawyer will have a field day. [V][:(!]

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mark christian

November 07, 2009 12:17

quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
IMHO the pros are a series 70 and the Cons are a series 80 . The extra safety was a way around The 1930's Swartz safety that did the same thing. "FIRING PIN block" The Swartz safety worked off the grip safety [^]while the series 80 works off the trigger[V] But Colt did not want to bay the Swartz Heirs the royalty . so they cobbled up a poor design. During this same time quality Control also went to pot.

Really [:0]? That is very interesting and something that I had never heard before. I agree that if you are looking at a .45 Government strictly for shooting the Series 70 is the better choice, although as beantown mentioned they are becoming very collectible. My own Series 70 had already been modified by the previous owner and it is a great shooting pistol
[img][/img]

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kidthatsirish

November 07, 2009 14:56

Well thanks for all the input/info guys, I have done a little more homework and it seems that my pistol although not a colt is an 80s series design...kinda funny as I didnt like the trigger pull to much and had a trigger job done on it prior to even finding this out so I can def. tell what you guys are talking about. Mine also has the more "solid" barrel bushing. I like the barrel bushing it came with, and now that I have had a trigger job, my pistol satisfies me well (5 inch groups at 15 yards).

Thanks!

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William81

November 07, 2009 17:15

Keep working with it and try some other ammo, it will do better. Here is my Series 70.

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dandak1

November 07, 2009 17:29

That finish is not chrome, it is satin nickel.
I had a series 70 and now have a series 80. Frankly, I cannot tell much of a difference between them, and I doubt most people can. Notice I said "most", yes if you want to tinker with the pull and lighten it (I kept both of mine factory) them from what i hear the 70 series is better. I will be up front tho...I cannot tell any difference. As far as the spring bushing on the 70 breaking, i have heard that for years too. I put over 5000 thru my series 70 before selling it(and I bought it used) without any breakage. I have never actually known anyone who had one break on them, altho again I heard about the "friend of a friend" who had one break on them.
The big pro/con now is that 70 series are getting quite pricey, and probably will only go up as the years go by. Both the 70 and 80 series are common enough tho...find someone at the range who has either and ask if you can touch off a few rounds, then you can determine for yourself if the price difference is worth it.

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mark christian

November 07, 2009 17:33

You will indeed pay a premium for the Series 70, mostly because of the things that have already been discussed here: Real or imagined, the Series 70 is believed to be the better shooting of the two series of pistols. If you are looking for a Series 70 to shoot I suggest that you purchase one that has already been upgraded/modified with teh bells and whistles that you feel you need. Taking a nice straight Series 70 and modifying it now-a-days just seems like such a waste to me.

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